BEIJING, Nov. 11 --The Christian Democratic Union of Germany said in a congratulatory message China held important functions in Asia as well as the world.

"In the 21st century, we all face various challenges. Not a single country can deal with them separately. But fortunately, we can talk about ways to tackle these problems with China," the party said.

National Secretary of the Australian Labor Party George Wright said, since Australia and China established diplomatic relations in 1972, "we have always looked on China as not only a neighbor, but a close friend."

The occasion of the 18th National Congress of the CPC was an important moment for China's national development and history, he said.

"We recognize the enormous work of the CPC in lifting the living standards of millions of people and to promoting friendship and peace with other nations," he added.

Edward Natapei, chairman of the ruling Vanuaaku Pati (VP), said in a message to the CPC: "We have no doubt that under your most able leadership and guidance, the National Congress will deliberate on its set agenda effectively and efficiently."

"We look forward to learning the outcome of this historical meeting, especially in terms of its proposed plan to comprehensively boost forward the reform and opening up policy, construction of a modern socialist society and the building of the Communist Party of China," Natapei said.

Niger Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum, acting leader of the Nigerian Party for Democracy and Socialism, said in a message the CPC always stuck to its Socialist values and had achieved great and inspiring advancements.

The CPC had turned China into an indispensable participator on the world stage and a trustworthy cooperative partner for all developing countries, including Niger, he said.

He wished great success of the 18th CPC congress.

Secretary General of the Rwandese Patriotic Front Francois Ngarambe said his party was delighted to see the outstanding achievements the Chinese people had registered under the leadership of the CPC.

"I would in advance congratulate and welcome the new leaders to be elected, who will push CPC and the Chinese people as a whole to greater heights of success," he said.

"The existing friendship between our two parties and countries will be further strengthened," he added.

Secretary General of the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO) Party Pendukeni Livula-Ithana said: "As the ruling party of Namibia, we wish to acknowledge our deep and cordial relations and the profound cooperation that exists between the Communist Party of China and the SWAPO Party of Namibia and indeed between our countries."

"The bonds of friendship and solidarity that shaped our commitment toward the ideal goal of total development of our countries shall always be cherished," she said.

Keketso Rantso, secretary general of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy, said: "We trust that during this conference, the CPC will map out strategies that will contribute to the political, social and economic development of the People's Republic of China and its great people."

"Furthermore, we are confident that the cordial relations existing between the People's Republic of China and Africa, Lesotho in particular, will continue to flourish for the benefit of our two countries and peoples," the message said.

In a message, Wilson C. Mukama, secretary general of Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi, hailed the frequent exchange of visits and experience sharing between the CPC and his party.

He reiterated his party's commitment to strengthening further the existing fraternal relations and wished the CPC congress success and fruitful deliberations.

President of Costa Rica's National Liberation Party Bernal Jimenez said the CPC congress would surely further expand and consolidate the progress and wellbeing of the Chinese people, and push forward the transformation of the development mode of the Chinese economy.

He said his party was willing to continue build friendly cooperation between the two parties and two peoples.